St. John: Hike Hard, Float Harder
- May 8
- 7 min read
St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Whether you crave a challenging hike with breathtaking views or a laid-back day on the water, this island has it all. This three-day itinerary balances early morning hikes, scenic drives, beach time, and boat excursions to help you experience the best of St. John.
Exciting news for your trip to St. John: there's no airport on the island, which means an adventure awaits! You'll fly into St. Thomas (STT) and then hop on a ferry to reach St. John. The Red Hook Ferry offers frequent departures, and the journey is a quick and scenic 20 minutes!
Day 1:
Kick off your first day with excitement by embarking on a 6:00 a.m. hike along the exhilarating Ram Head Trail! This 2.3-mile roundtrip adventure takes about 45 minutes to reach the summit, where you'll be greeted by breathtaking 360-degree coastal views from a majestic 200-foot bluff. Starting early is key, as the trail offers no shade and the midday sun can be intense. But fear not, the hike promises awe-inspiring vistas of the ocean and nearby islands, making every step absolutely worth it!
After your hike, don't miss the chance to visit Salt Pond Bay Beach! Nestled in the breathtaking Virgin Islands National Park, this beach is famous for its amazing snorkeling experiences, where you can glide through the water with sea turtles and stingrays. It's conveniently situated right off the Ram Head Trail, making it the ideal spot to cool off and relax after your morning adventure! If you're eager to snorkel, remember to bring your own gear since there are no rentals available on the beach.
Lets head over to Coral Bay. It's a chill spot on the island that's a bit off the beaten path, but still has all the essentials. Plus, there's way more wildlife over there. You might spot wild donkeys, chickens, goats, and peacocks, along with other animals.
If you're in the mood for a fun floating lunch, you should definitely check out Lime Out. It's a taco boat that cruises around the bay, so you can munch on some delicious tacos while relaxing on the water. The Salt + Lime Express boat shuttle offers both per-person trips and private group trips to Lime Out.
After stuffing ourselves silly with a delightful lunch, let's hop over to the other side of the bay—it's just a quick 7-minute drive—to grab some kayaks at Crabby's Watersports. Don't worry, the crabs aren't included in the rental! Single kayaks usually start at about $45 per day, while doubles go for $70 per day, perfect for those who want to paddle with a buddy. If you're not ready to commit to a full day of paddling, half-day rentals might be up for grabs starting at around $40. Paddle on, my friend!
After an epic kayaking adventure, why not dive into another thrill? Jump on a horse with The Carolina Corral for a ride along the stunning Coral Bay shoreline! You'll catch breathtaking views of the east end, Hurricane Hole, and maybe even spot the nearby British Virgin Islands. Their guided trail rides are by appointment only, usually two a day around 3:30 or 5:30, and they're perfect for all skill levels with expert guidance included. Don’t let this awesome experience pass you by! It's the perfect way to wrap up the day before grabbing a well-earned dinner.
For dinner, swing by Skinny Legs, the legendary open-air bar and grill in Coral Bay on the laid-back eastern side of the island. They modestly claim to be "A Pretty OK Place," but let's be honest, they're the kings of chill with their island vibes, wallet-friendly prices, and mouthwatering half-pound hand-patted burgers. It's a burger paradise! The fun vibes here are off the charts.
Day 2:
Without a doubt, one of the best spots on the island is Peace Hill! There's just something magical about this place! The short 10-minute climb takes you to a charming ruined windmill with a breathtaking 360-degree view of the island. This spot provides some of the most stunning photo opportunities on St. John.
As you head back down from the windmill toward the parking lot, you will see the Denis Bay trail; take the path and head toward the ocean. The walk from the windmill down to the water is very brief, about 15 minutes. The trail ends at Denis Bay, which is the neighboring beach just around the point from Oppenheimer Beach. A small, serene, and historical beach on the north shore. Formerly owned by physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, it is famous for its calm turquoise waters, white sand, leaning palm trees, and an iconic tire swing.
Spend an awesome afternoon at Cinnamon Bay, one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, just a short 7-minute walk from the parking lot on Peace Hill! You'll find gorgeous turquoise waters and amazing snorkeling here. The Cinnamon Bay Beach area has everything you need, like a campground, water sports rentals, a restaurant, and food options, making it perfect for families and those looking for some fun. Don't miss out on the incredible 1680 Estate House ruins, the oldest building on St. John, right next to the beach.
They’ve got you covered with Rentals for snorkel gear, paddleboards, kayaks, and even those beach chairs that make you feel like royalty. Don’t forget to grab some reef-friendly sunscreen (seriously, it’s a must-have in the USVI) and rash guards to keep you looking stylish. Oh, and they sell bags of ice and all those other beach essentials you didn’t know you needed until now!
Take a breather—you deserve some downtime at the beach, catching rays and letting your feet chill. But when the sun starts going down, make sure to swing by Zozo’s. It's just a 13-minute trip and sits right on the waterfront at the famous Caneel Bay. Dinner's served outside on the terrace, and you can snag a reservation up to 30 days ahead. It's $140 per person, but totally worth it. You'll enjoy an unbeatable Michelin experience with a gourmet, four-course meal in a laid-back, waterfront vibe. The chef keeps upping their game, and the food is amazing.
Day 3:
Kick off your day at Trunk Bay in Virgin Island National Park, The earlier the better. It's known as one of the most stunning beaches in the world. There's a $5.00 entrance fee per person. The beach is gently sloped, stretching .3 miles, and has accessible paths and ramps. You’ll find a snack shack, bar, snorkel gear rentals, a beach shop, restrooms, and showers. Besides the crystal-clear water and white sand, there’s an awesome 225-yard underwater snorkeling trail. The trail has markers with cool facts about the sea creatures living around Trunk Bay’s delicate coral reefs. You might spot colorful parrotfish, tang, and maybe even a curious sea turtle.
Swing by the Trunk Bay Snack Bar for a bite with a side of stunning views! This laid-back joint serves up breakfast goodies like coffee and muffins to kickstart your day, and when lunchtime rolls around, you can chow down on a cheeseburger or a pulled pork sandwich. Plus, the full bar is ready to shake things up with classics like Painkillers and frosty daiquiris.
Before things get too hectic, let's cruise down the road for about 7 minutes to Maho Bay, known for its laid-back waters and sea turtles. You definitely don't want to miss the turtles; swimming with these gentle creatures is unforgettable. Maho's got bathrooms, food, and water sport rentals. Just a heads up, this beach gets super crowded. Parking can be a hassle, and the water gets pretty busy. I'd recommend getting there early and leaving early to avoid the crowds and grab a good spot.
In the afternoon, gear up for an exhilarating adventure by heading over to Waterlemon Cay, a tiny island just off a secluded beach, perfect for thrilling snorkeling! This hidden gem is only 6 minutes away and features crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life. Keep your eyes peeled for sea urchins! Remember to bring your snorkeling gear, as there are no watersport rentals at this beach. To reach this paradise, enjoy a relaxing 20-minute hike through lush trees and along the stunning rocky coastline. Stroll down the sandy beach until it becomes rocky again, and you'll discover the perfect spot to dive into the water. Be cautious of the current, as it can be strong on one side of the Cay. Most guides recommend swimming counterclockwise around the Cay. For added safety, wear a snorkel vest and protect your feet with dive shoes or something similar. Get ready for an unforgettable underwater adventure!
Wrap up your day at the Windmill Bar, where you can kick back with a drink and watch the sun clock out. Get there 45–60 minutes before sunset to grab a prime table. This place is the VIP of sunset spots, offering a 270-degree view of the North Shore, St. Thomas, and the nearby cays from Neptune's Lookout. It's basically a "must-visit" because, let's face it, who doesn't want to feel like they're on top of the world with a cocktail in hand?
Things to Keep in Mind
Often known as "America's Caribbean Paradise," this spot includes three main islands—St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. It's a hot spot for American travelers since U.S. citizens don't need a passport when coming from the mainland. They use the U.S. Dollar here, and everyone speaks English.
If you're up for exploring the island's stunning landscapes, renting a car is a must. Go for something with AWD or 4WD to handle those thrilling hilly and steep roads. Book your car rental as soon as your trip is planned because they get booked fast! The USVI is the only place in the U.S. where you drive on the left side of the road.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen Only: Make sure to use mineral-based (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) sunscreen to keep the coral reefs safe.
Water Conservation: Fresh water is super precious on St. John, usually bought or collected in cisterns when it rains. Try to cut back on water use when showering or washing your hands. Plus, many places might even ask you to avoid flushing for just number one.
Leaving the Islands: You will go through U.S. Customs & Border Protection when flying back to the mainland. It's a good idea to bring a passport or an original birth certificate with a raised seal to prove citizenship during this process.
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